Kate Steinbeck is recognized internationally for her engaging and diverse performances, imaginative programming, innate musicality and beauty of tone. Primarily embracing chamber music and solo artistry, she has distinguished herself as a unique interpreter and teacher of both time-honored repertoire, contemporary and world music. An award-winning musician, Kate’s career began with a Fulbright Grant to at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Liège, Belgium where she received a first prize in chamber music.

She created Pan Harmonia (formerly Keowee Chamber Music) in 2000 with the goal of bringing the joy and excitement of live acoustic music to audiences of all ages. Her visionary work has been nurtured and supported by grants from the NC Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Kate directs the Asheville Chamber Music Experience, a week-long exploration for adult amatuer musicians each June.

Her recordings, Luminescence (2010) and Light in the Corner (2004), have garnered praise across the US and abroad. "Light in the Corner is stunning [with] incredible ensemble skills," FLUTE TALK magazine.

Prior to moving to North Carolina, she spent a decade free-lancing in San Francisco, where she was widely recognized for her work in contemporary music and was featured on many of the Bay Area’s most prestigious stages.

Her teachers and coaches include Patti Adams, William Hebert, Tim Day and Clifford Benson, Stephen Preston, Gunther Schuller and Charles Russo. She earned a BM from Baldwin-Wallace College and MM from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Kate Steinbeck plays on a modern wooden flute manufactured by her husband, Chris Abell, of the Abell Flute Company.